Detachment Poster

Detachment 2011

★ 7.61,964 votes98 min📅 2011-04-24

Detachment (2011), directed by Tony Kaye, dives deep into the raw, often overlooked world of substitute teaching.

Director: Tony Kaye

Cast

Adrien Brody
Adrien Brody
Henry Barthes
Marcia Gay Harden
Marcia Gay Harden
Principal Carol Dearden
James Caan
James Caan
Mr. Charles Seaboldt
Christina Hendricks
Christina Hendricks
Ms. Sarah Madison
Lucy Liu
Lucy Liu
Dr. Doris Parker
Blythe Danner
Blythe Danner
Ms. Perkins
Tim Blake Nelson
Tim Blake Nelson
Mr. Wiatt
William Petersen
William Petersen
Mr. 'Sarge' Kepler
Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston
Mr. Dearden
Sami Gayle
Sami Gayle
Erica

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Detachment (2011) about?

Detachment (2011) follows substitute teacher Henry Barthes as he navigates three turbulent weeks in a struggling school system. Through his eyes, the film explores the cracks in education and the fragile bonds between teachers, students, and administrators. It's a story about fleeting connections and the quiet battles fought in the name of learning.

Who directed Detachment?

Detachment was directed by Tony Kaye, known for his visually striking and thematically bold films like American History X.

Who stars in Detachment?

The film features Adrien Brody in the lead role, alongside Marcia Gay Harden, James Caan, Christina Hendricks, Lucy Liu, and Blythe Danner.

Is Detachment (2011) worth watching?

Detachment (2011) is a gripping drama that may not be easy viewing, but it's undeniably powerful. Adrien Brody's performance anchors the film, while Tony Kaye's direction delivers a visceral look at education's challenges. Fans of character-driven stories will find it deeply rewarding.

How long is Detachment?

Detachment has a runtime of 98 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Detachment (2011) — A raw drama exploring teaching, isolation, and fleeting connections in the classroom

Detachment (2011), directed by Tony Kaye, dives deep into the raw, often overlooked world of substitute teaching. Through the eyes of Henry Barthes, played with raw intensity by Adrien Brody, the film paints a stark portrait of a broken education system and the fragile lives caught within it. Over three weeks, Henry drifts between schools, teaching without attachment, yet his presence stirs change in students and staff alike. The story weaves together themes of isolation, redemption, and the fleeting connections that define us, all set against a backdrop of bleak classrooms and disillusioned souls. With a tone that balances harsh realism and understated hope, Detachment (2011) challenges viewers to reflect on the role of education in shaping lives.

The film's emotional core lies in its ensemble cast, including Marcia Gay Harden as a relentless vice principal, James Caan as a battle-hardened teacher, and Lucy Liu as a dedicated social worker. Christina Hendricks and Blythe Danner round out the powerful lineup, each bringing depth to their roles. As a drama, Detachment doesn't shy away from the gritty truths of modern education, making it a compelling watch for anyone who has ever questioned the system—or their place within it.